I worked there for 1 year from 2009-2010. Great, tight knit expat community there who'll take you under their wing, horrible, horrible bitchy FAO you don't want to mess with.

It's in Songshan Lake, about an hour's bus ride to Dongcheng, which has bars, a Carrefour and Corner's Deli (great western food shop!). The bus is very regular and easy to get (just not weekends!).

There's a lovely couple who have been there about 4-5 years who will help you out with whatever you need. I still keep in touch with them though I've moved on.

The apartments have changed since I left- they gave 2 storey apartments which they literally sliced in half to give to the FT's. That's fine- a 140m place was great for parties, but not necessary for 1! Not sure now what they look like or anything.